Introduction

Preston is a city in the English county of Lancashire. Established as a settlement during Anglo-Saxon times, Preston became a booming centre for engineering during the Industrial Revolution, while it also had a thriving textile industry. Today, Preston is most renowned for being a regional seat of education and being a major destination for shopping in Lancashire.
The city has a wide array of architectural styles, as evident in the Town Hall and its controversial Brutalist bus station, which divides opinion among locals. Preston’s proximity to the Lancashire coast means that a trip to the beach is never too far away, while it also lies within easy reach of both the Pennines and the Lake District, the latter being connected by the M6.

Ideal car

Hatchback
Save for a handful of streets in the city centre, Preston is car-friendly. A hatchback is the most sensible type of car to drive here, adept on both the motorways and in the suburbs.

Driving in Preston

L

Road Driving Side

30mph

Urban Speed Limit

60mph

Rural Speed Limit

70mph

Motorway Speed Limit

Important things to note

There are two park-and-ride sites in Preston – one of which being close to Preston Docks and the other at Walton-le-Dale just to the south of the city centre.
The M6 runs along the western edge of the city, although the M65 takes you to the east of Lancashire. The M55 goes in the opposite direction towards Blackpool.
Part of Fishergate, the main street going through the city centre, has limited access to cars. Be sure to avoid it during the daytime.

Highlights & Hotspots

Harris Museum and Art Gallery is Preston’s most impressive cultural venue. As well as documenting the entire history of the city, it also has a range of ancient textiles, decorative artworks and photographs on display.
If you want to learn more about the history of the wider area, then a visit to the Museum of Lancashire is in order. The museum largely stocks artefacts from the Victorian era and World War Two, all set in a former courthouse.
At the city’s docks, you could take a ride on the Ribble Steam Railway. This old-fashioned railway is a great family-friendly attraction and isn’t too far away from Preston’s marina, which has recently been renovated.
Deepdale is the home ground of Preston North End Football Club. Holding close to 25,000 fans, the ground plays host to games in League One, the third tier of English football. PNE are one of the oldest football clubs in the country.

Airport Information

The nearest airport to Preston is Blackpool Airport, located 17 miles west of the city centre. Although small in size, the airport does offer a number of flights to destinations throughout Europe, mainly provided by low-cost airlines.Getting there is pretty simple. Taking the M55 is the easiest way, but the A583 will get you to the junction with the motorway too. From there, take the A5230 westbound and you‚Äôre there.